Numerous wildfires started by lightning in the Methow Valley Ranger District this past week have been contained while still small. Others, primarily in inaccessible terrain in the Pasayten Wilderness Area, are being monitored, according to an update from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on Monday (Aug. 29).
The Black Canyon Fire, which burned 2 acres, 3 miles west of Alta State Park, was declared out on Aug. 28. A 20-person fire crew, two engines and helicopter water drops attacked the blaze.
The Canyon Creek Fire in the Twisp River drainage burned 1/2 acre. It was staffed with two rappelers and declared out on Aug. 27.
The Tamarack Peak Fire above Harts Pass was 2 acres and staffed with eight rappelers, who had completed fire-line construction and were mopping up as of Aug. 29.
Five other fires are burning in the northwest corner of the Pasayten Wilderness near the Canadian border. Because of their remote locations, most of the Pasayten fires are being monitored. Smoke from the fires will be visible to users of northwest Pasayten trails. Some smoke drifted into the Methow Valley over the weekend.
Fire status as of Monday (Aug. 29):
- The Parks Fire, 1 mile south of the border, was 39 acres. Twelve smokejumpers initially responded to the fire.
- The Schull Fire, 2 miles northwest of Deception Pass and 11 miles south of the border, was 3/4 acre.
- The Three Fools Fire, 8 miles south of the border, was 8 acres.
- The Powder Mountain Fire, 9 miles south of the border, was 1/10 acre.
- The Skagit Fire, 6 miles south of the border, was 25 acre.
Some fires grew slightly over the weekend, but most remained about the same size, according to the Forest Service.
After an air reconnaissance flight, three fires near the Canadian border (initially named the Welcome Basin, Big Face and Williams Creek incidents) were determined to be duplicates of previously reported fires, according to the Forest Service.
There were no trail or area closures as of Monday.
